7

Blood pressure:
Methyldopa is a blood pressure lowering agent not commonly used until after other classes of drugs have been tried first for *most* patients, although it is clinically used as a second-line option for pregnant patients. This drug works on in the brain causing a decrease in chemicals that normally act on the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. All together, this lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
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11

Yes:
Methyldopa has been the drug of choice for treatment of hypertension during pregnancy since the 1970s or earlier. So the short answer to your question is that Methyldopa has probably been used with success more times and for a longer time period with fewer side effects than any other drug used to treat hypertension during pregnancy.
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14

Medications:
All anti hypertensives have to be monitored by a physician during pregnancy so if you become pregnant when taking these medications you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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18

Yes:
This is a central acting medicine for management of high blood pressure. It is an old but safe & effective treatment, though many feel there are better medicines available now for high blood pressure in pregnancy.
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20

Yes:
It has been noted, but post-partum depression is so common it is hard to tell if it really had anything to do with the medication or was just post-partum depression. If your doctor thinks that the risks outweigh benefits you should take the medication. During pregnancy there are not a lot of alternatives for blood pressure control and certainly does not mean you will get post-partum depression.
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